Why Do Stretch Marks Happen?

Stretch marks, medically known as striae, are a type of scar that can develop when the skin stretches or changes more quickly than the deeper layers of the skin can adapt. During pregnancy, several factors can contribute to their formation.

Collagen

Collagen is a structural protein that helps give skin its strength and firmness. When the skin expands rapidly, its collagen fibers can become disrupted, creating the foundation for a stretch mark.

Elastin

Elastin allows the skin to stretch and return toward its original shape. Rapid or prolonged stretching can place stress on these elastic fibers, making it harder for the skin to adjust without developing visible marks.

Rapid Skin Stretching

Pregnancy, growth spurts, rapid weight changes, and fast muscle growth can all cause the skin to expand quickly. During pregnancy, stretch marks commonly develop on the belly, breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks as these areas change.

Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy hormones may affect the skin’s collagen and elastin, influencing how well the skin responds to stretching. This helps explain why stretch marks can develop even when weight gain is gradual and the skin is regularly moisturized.

Genetics

Genetics also play an important role. If your mother, sisters, or other close family members developed stretch marks during pregnancy, you may be more likely to develop them as well.

Not everyone develops stretch marks, and no skincare product can guarantee complete prevention. However, keeping the skin consistently moisturized can support the skin barrier, reduce dryness and tightness, and help the skin feel more comfortable as it stretches.

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When Should You Start Treating Stretch Marks?

The best approach depends on whether you are pregnant, newly postpartum, or treating older, mature stretch marks.

During Pregnancy

You can begin moisturizing early in pregnancy and continue as your belly and body grow. Focus on maintaining hydration and supporting the skin barrier in areas that commonly stretch, including the belly, breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks.

Pregnancy skincare should prioritize gentle, nourishing ingredients. Avoid retinoids and other ingredients that have not been approved by your healthcare provider for use during pregnancy.

The goal during pregnancy is to:

• Maintain skin hydration
• Support the moisture barrier
• Reduce dryness, itching, and tightness
• Keep the skin soft and comfortable while it stretches

Early Postpartum Stretch Marks

Newer stretch marks may appear red, pink, purple, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin tone. This early stage is often called striae rubrae.

Newer stretch marks generally respond better to topical treatment than older, mature marks. Once the skin has healed after delivery, consistent hydration and appropriate collagen-supporting ingredients may help improve their texture, color, and overall appearance.

Do not apply active skincare ingredients to a healing C-section incision, broken skin, or irritated skin. Consult your healthcare provider before using retinoids while breastfeeding.

Older White or Silver Stretch Marks

As stretch marks mature, they typically become lighter, flatter, and more indented. These older marks are often called striae albae.

Older white or silver stretch marks are more difficult to improve with topical skincare alone. Moisturizers can still soften the skin and improve its overall texture, but mature stretch marks may require professional treatments such as microneedling, laser therapy, radiofrequency, or other dermatologist-performed procedures for more noticeable improvement.

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Ingredients That May Help Improve the Appearance of Stretch Marks

Different ingredients serve different purposes. Some help hydrate and protect the skin, while others may help improve the appearance of newer stretch marks.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water within the skin. It helps improve hydration, softness, and suppleness, and research suggests it may help make early stretch marks less noticeable when used consistently.

Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids commonly used in skincare formulas designed to support smoother, firmer-looking skin. They may help support the appearance of collagen-rich skin, although research specifically involving stretch marks remains limited.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is a rich emollient that helps soften the skin and reduce moisture loss. It can support the skin barrier and relieve dryness or tightness, but cocoa butter alone has not been proven to prevent or erase stretch marks.

Shea Butter

Shea butter contains moisturizing fatty acids that help condition dry skin and reinforce the moisture barrier. It can improve softness and comfort as the skin stretches, although it should not be presented as a guaranteed stretch mark treatment.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient frequently included in body care products. It can help nourish dry skin, but studies have not shown that vitamin E alone prevents or removes stretch marks.

Plant Oils

Plant oils help replenish the skin’s natural lipids, reduce moisture loss, and make the skin feel more flexible and comfortable. Oils can also provide slip for gentle massage. While they support hydration, individual plant oils have not been proven to completely prevent stretch marks.

Retinoids

Retinoids, including retinol and prescription tretinoin, encourage skin renewal and support collagen production. They may help make newer stretch marks less noticeable, but they should not be used during pregnancy.

If you are breastfeeding, use retinoid products only after discussing them with your healthcare provider. Never apply them to the nipple, breast, or any area where your baby’s skin may come into direct contact with the product.

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Pregnancy and Postpartum Stretch Mark Routine

No topical skincare product can guarantee the prevention or complete removal of stretch marks. Remodel Stretch Mark Serum is intended for postpartum use and should not be used during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider before using retinoid skincare while breastfeeding.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Stretch Marks

Can stretch marks disappear naturally?

Stretch marks usually fade naturally over time, but they are a form of scarring and may not disappear completely. Newer marks often become lighter, flatter, and less noticeable as they mature.

Can old stretch marks still fade?

Older white or silver stretch marks may continue to soften and become less noticeable, but they generally respond less effectively to topical products than newer red, purple, or dark-colored marks. A dermatologist may recommend professional procedures for more significant improvement.

Are stretch mark creams safe during pregnancy?

Safety depends on the complete ingredient formula. Moisturizing products made without retinoids are generally more appropriate during pregnancy, but every product should be reviewed individually. Ask your OB/GYN or healthcare provider about any ingredient you are unsure about.

What stretch mark ingredients should I avoid while pregnant?

Avoid retinoids such as retinol, retinal, tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene during pregnancy unless specifically directed by your healthcare provider. Do not assume that a product is pregnancy-safe simply because it is described as natural or clean.

When should I start treating pregnancy stretch marks?

Begin hydrating and supporting the skin during pregnancy as your body starts to change. For active treatment of existing stretch marks, the early postpartum stage, when marks are still red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, generally offers a better opportunity for visible improvement than waiting until they become white or silver.

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